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One friend said: 'One of Zoe's best traits was her infectious laugh and humour, and her rugged determination.

'Zoe you fought and fought this insidious illness and, where possible, with wicked humour with exception. A stronger person would be hard to find.'

Paul Keedwell, director of nursing and practice at Devon Partnership Trust, said Miss Clark's death was the first of its kind at the unit.

He said: 'This is an extremely sad event and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family.

'It is the first time we have had a death on the Haldon Unit - which has an excellent reputation - and the staff team are understandably shocked and saddened.

'There will be an independent investigation into the incident and we have invited the family to participate in this process.

'While we don't want to pre-empt the findings of this investigation, it is important to reassure people that staff numbers and observation levels on the night in question were entirely as they should have been.'

The Devon NHS website says: 'The Haldon is the home of our specialist eating disorder service that helps treat people with severe eating disorders.

'Most people with an eating disorder will be treated in the community by their GP and community mental health teams, which is often sufficient for them to begin to make positive changes to their lives.

'However, some people may require admission to a specialist centre, like The Haldon, as part of their longer term care plan.

'Opened in 2006, The Haldon provides support and care for up to 20 patients at any one time.'

An inquest has been opened in Exeter and the results of a post-mortem examination are pending.

Miss Clark's parents Kevin and Gail yesterday said they did not wish to comment.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. Click here for details.